Former councilman Koch announces run for office

Jeff Koch, 48 of Arlington, has officially announced he is seeking election for Pittsburgh City Council District 3 in the 2011 Democratic Primary.

He previously won a special election to fill the same council seat; he served as district 3 councilman from 2006-2007.

Mr. Koch is stressing the importance of rebuilding relationships that have become increasingly strained under the current district representative – pitting residents, students, business, restaurant-tavern and rental property owners against each other in South Oakland and the South Side neighborhoods of the district.

His initiatives, while in office and following his time on council, included economic developments throughout the district, helping to attract new business to the Allentown and Beltzhoover neighborhoods for the first time in many years. He plans to continue to carry out his vision for the hilltop communities, including a bid for the $1 million Weed and Seed federal grant.

Additionally, the renovation of Warrington Avenue would be a primary focus of his campaign, among many other long-overlooked improvements.

As the current president and coach of the South Side Athletic Association, Mr. Koch works with more than 130 children from the district, helping to mentor and instill leadership and teamwork values.

Mr. Koch is currently the street program supervisor for Pittsburgh's Department of Public Works, where he has worked for over three years. In that role, he has been instrumental in suggesting and implementing strategic plans that improved snow removal service throughout the city. He helped identify over 3,750 street segments that were not previously included in salt and snow removal routes.

Mr. Koch is married to Anita, his wife of 27 years, together they have three daughters.